While all eyes are on the new Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo has quietly made a request to make some changes to the original Nintendo Switch
. These changes include a new chip and processor that could theoretically improve the performance of the original Switch.

As reported by The Verge, Nintendo submitted a new filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting permission to alter an existing device. In this case to make changes to FCC ID: BKEHAC001, which refers to the original Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo requested a Class II permissive change in order update the system-on-chip (SoC), NAND Memory type, and CPU Board. This means Nintendo is looking to at least update the Nvidia Tegra processor, or the Switch’s SoC, for a newer one.

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Here’s the thing: a new chip could mean a host of minor improvements, or it could mean nothing much at all. Nintendo’s existing Tegra X1 processor is hardly outdated, but a new chip could be necessary for manufacturing and cost reasons.

Nintendo Switch Performance Enhancements?

However, that doesn’t rule out small performance enhancements either. A newer chip could speed up games, decrease load times, and improve battery life. Nintendo already proved it can get better performance out of Nintendo Switch games after releasing a boost mode update following the release of Nintendo Labo VR. So there's still room for improvement on the original Switch models.

The timing of the chip update also coincides with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch Lite. Nintendo confirmed to The Verge that the Switch Lite will use a new, more power-efficient chip layout that “slightly” improves batter life. So there’s a chance Nintendo’s FCC filing means older Switch consoles will be getting a similar chip as well.